Feeling useless, and un-manly... If that makes sense.

I've felt like this many times before, so don't feel bad about it. The fact that you're honest and searching is a good sign.

Besides prayer and Bible study, I'd recommend looking at what you like. What's your passion? If you could make a living doing anything or pursuing any career, what would you choose? For me, it's music and once I started seriously pursuing that I began to feel more confident and learned what I really love to do and how I can serve God through it. Also, you're only 19 so don't feel quite so rushed. You've got a lot of time ahead of you and God may be waiting until you're a bit older before he reveals these things to you.

It sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep praying and putting God first in everything you do and don't be afraid to try new things and take up new interests. Eventually you'll discover something you love and from there you can devise the best way to pursue it. I know exactly how you feel so just take it one day at a time and keep Christ first in everything and you'll do fine.

Can't you re-enter either one of those programs after your mother is better?

BTW don't feel that you need to do those kinds of things to be "manly". Those things really don't make you manly at all. They make you tougher, but I wouldn't say manly. Being a man to me is about taking care of your responsibilities. And thats what you did with taking care of your mother.

I'm sure you will figure something out, but I would suggest you don't approach this as though you have something to prove. If you approach it that way you will probably end up doing something you don't want to do just so others can laud you.

Medical school GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!11!111one+eleventyshift1

Edit: Also social work, environmental organizations/companies, teaching. All fall in the realm of helping people.

I think taking care of your mother is the most manly thing you can do.

That aside, what was the problem with joining the Navy or Coast guard? It sounds like you have a passion for it. I'm sure there is a way to help your mother out and pursue a career, and I assume that she would want you to work on developing yourself into what you want to be....

Do you think that what you do for a living will define you as a "man" or being "manly"? If God created man in the beginnning, then God--and only God--can truly define what is a man.

Those career ideas are awesome, but they are not what ultimately defines what is manly. What you did for your mother was manly because it was reflective of Biblical concepts and what God wants you to do. Therefore, your actions, not career, are what define you as a man.

I say trust God and continue to follow what you are passionate about.

Also, look into the military academy for the coast guard--it's really a great career(considering the coast saves like 5 lives a day).

Do something that you are good at and enjoy. Your job does not define your "manliness".

I also agree that stepping away from your job to take care of your mother is very manly. Men need to protect and take care of people and responsibilities too. Don't worry so much about what position you have just uhpold integrity in how you carry about that position, that's what will really show and matter in the long run

Do something that you are good at and enjoy. Your job does not define your "manliness".

I also agree that stepping away from your job to take care of your mother is very manly. Men need to protect and take care of people and responsibilities too. Don't worry so much about what position you have just uhpold integrity in how you carry about that position, that's what will really show and matter in the long run

A job will not define your masculinity. Do what you will enjoy doing, becasue otherwise, working will never feel like a career, it will feel like a job. Not only a job, but a job you would rather not be doing.

I think you shouldn't really try to be manly, but to be yourself. Think about what you'd like to do, no matter if it can be defined as "manly" or not. That's not important, the important thing is how it would affect yourself and other people. If you find something you like and which would help you make a positive difference in the world, then do it

Take care of your mother, she needs you more than anything. A true man will put others before himself. Let her know everyday that you love her dearly and will always be with her. God will see you through this

Continue pursing your dreams and pray to good to make that dream become a reality.

Well dittos on that for the most part. This is a common search I hear, and this confirms it. Like for instance at the core of my being lies a question, in which I search daily. Observations, Biblical application, etc. All compiled into something not yet useful? This is baffling, at no doubt.
Ive been hinted at this being short sighted, as the bible isnt about personal sacrifice but grace, so within charities, church, and other common community activities may be the way to go. As prophecies have sighted serval times that the light of the Christian world will turn the hearts of the Jews, and convert them. Now this when applied does make sense, as you I have also prayed for guidance and had no blank indicators. I however achieve an extreme peace of mind, and discipline from it. So maybe in my fruitful edeavors the glorifying of Jehovah will serve the purpose set in mind. I doubt this though, as Im dedicating my life to God, in passion, willing to sarcrifice, but what? My life surely, but I cant. My time, I do, bible studies and others activities. But where Im going is that we have little to give, but God has everything. Jesus said

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
So my point being that God in his Glory wishes us to live fruitful lives, participating in gainful activities, and also obedience and perserverence. Obedience is continuation in faith, and exploring the Kingdom as displayed today threw the scripture of the Bible. As it is said "the righteous will live by faith" . What also stands out to me is the Unity that should be observed in the Church. Paul warned of denominations causing useless bickering. And it has in fact, however he also talked about the body of the church, which is the people, being unitied in Christ. So each man has his portion, as Solomon said, but thru the church we participate in Gods Kingdom. As he said to the Israelites thru Moses, "today I set before you life and prosperity" and later " "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The life of the World, forgiveness, redemption, "Today I set before you life and prosperity" Jesus the fullfiller of prophesy indeed, bringing light to the world; read my signature for my conclusion.

Godly masculinity isn't defined by how physical and rough of a job you have, but by your character. Godly men love Jesus, are leaders, servants, humble, valiant, and strong. But those don't have to be in a rough and tumble outdoorsy way. You can be an artist that doesn't like camping, but you'll still fight tooth and nail for the purity of your future wife/wife and family.

Here are some great resources that have really helped me see exactly how God created men to be. Remember that there's a lot of ideas about men in the world, and most of them will contradict God's design and tell you it's stupid, old-fashioned, or even chauvinistic, but God's design is very good how he made it, and is very satisfying and fulfilling when we follow it.


http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/reso...ndler_TheRoleOfMenPt1-DefiningMasculinity.mp3

http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/reso...attChandler_TheRoleOfMenPt2-MenAsHusbands.mp3

http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/reso...MattChandler_TheRoleOfMenPt3-MenAsFathers.mp3

Biblical Manhood & Womanhood :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

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